Chapter 2

October 23

Slinging a backpack around my back, I walked towards the entrance of my house, praying and hoping my mother would not ask questions. Just as I was turning the golden doorknob that had rusted over in the many years we had lived her, I jumped at the sound of her voice.

"Harry, where do you think you're going?" she asked.

I turned uneasily, staring at my mother. Her face was sagged in a frown. The wind rushing into the house, swirled around her blonde curls, causing her to throw her hands up to her hair.

"I asked you a question!" she repeated.

I sighed. "We're going to play some soccer tonight at the field. It's no big deal," I responded, hoping she'd understand. The last thing I needed was to tell my friends that my mommy had kept me from a good time.

"You'll be safe?" she asked, raising her eyebrow. "If you're in danger, I want you to come home immediately," she scolded. Then she sighed, glancing down at her hands. "Have fun."

"Thanks so much, Mom!" I exclaimed, hugging her quickly. Before I could even see her expression, I rushed out the door, wind immediately blowing against me. It had already clouded over, and I bit my lip, hoping a little bit of rain wouldn't ruin the fun. I knew my mom would be mad if I didn't come home in a thunderstorm, but it was October, a month of thunderstorms and especially Halloween!

I knew my mom was only protective of me because she cared about me so much. My parents were divorced, and though my dad was still around, I rarely saw him or spoke to him, even. He was always on business trips, running his own company. I spent time with my mom, which I didn't mind, but her overprotective instincts were annoying. All of my friends had siblings, leaving me the odd one out.

I arrived at the soccer field minutes later, noticing my friends were already on the field, kicking a ball. The field was deserted as many had decided to stay home because of the forecast of rain. My friends and I seemed to see this as a wise decision to go out though.

"Hey!" my friend, Anthony, called. He stood wearing a black t-shirt and blue athletic shorts, his short dark brown hair pushed to the side of his face. His twin brother, Tony, stood next to him. If it weren't for their different colored clothes, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart.

Michael stood on the other side of Tony, a muddy soccer ball in his hand. Unlike Tony and Anthony, he had light blonde hair, like me. Sometimes, people mistaken us for each other. Michael waved and kicked the ball towards me as I set my stuff down.

As I kicked the ball towards Tony, Anthony turned towards me. "Still going to the dance tomorrow?" he asked.

I nodded, watching as Tony kicked the ball at Michael.

"You don't even have a date," Michael pointed out.

"Yeah, but why does it matter?" I asked. "Lots of girls go stag. Maybe I'll meet one there," I said calmly, shrugging it off as if it were no big deal. To me though, it sort of was though. All my friends had dates, once again making me the odd one out.

Michael shrugged. "All right, I'm getting bored of passing. Two on two? Anthony, you be with Harry. Tony and I are on a team."

"Aw, come on, Michael! You know Tony is the better soccer player! Not fair!" Anthony complained, crossing his arms.

But Michael only shrugged and began dribbling the ball towards our goal, leaving us with little time to discuss the matter.

After about ten minutes of intense losing, raindrops began to drizzle from the sky. My friends didn't seem to care, but I did. My mother would kill me if I didn't come home. Unfortunately, my nervousness caused me to get distracted, allowing Michal and Tony to score another two girls.

"What's the deal, Harry?!" Anthony called. "Are you blind?! The ball was right in front of you!"

"Sorry!" I called, biting my lip. I knew my friends would only tease me if I left now, so I continued playing. The rain came down harder as we continued, and while this didn't bother Michael and Tony, Anthony and I were drenched and tired, retiring from making an effort.

When I noticed the first lightning bolt, I assumed we'd all stop playing. But we didn't. Realizing this game wouldn't be over, Anthony and I decided to put effort into winning again. There was no way we'd catch up to their score, but the more points we scored, the better.

Intercepting Tony's pass to Michael, I quickly turned the ball and dribbled, passing for Anthony. He went in for the goal, his form perfect. He lifted his foot, bringing it down to kick. At the exact same moment, he slipped in a pile of mud and fell face forward, Michael quickly taking the ball from Anthony. I couldn't help but crack up at his attempt.

Anthony wiped the substance from his face. "Very funny," he muttered as the rain came down harder. I'd definitely be in trouble now.

But we didn't stop playing. In fact, we played for another half hour, Anthony and I scoring a total of three goals as compared to the twenty or so Michael and Tony had scored.

We took a break, sitting on the bench. With no overhang, we were drenched. I drank some water, my throat parched despite the wet environment. The thunderstorm had ended minutes before, and the rain was dying down. Still, my mother was worried sick.

"So, Harry," Tony began.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Well, we're all talking about seeing the premiere of Zombies 3 next Friday, and we wanted to know if you'd come."

I was surprised they were asking me. We hadn't been to the movies that often anymore since they would bring their girlfriends and make me a seventh wheel.

"Yeah, but we're all bringing our girlfriends," Anthony explained. That was the catch. They just wanted to tease me again.

"I could bring someone!" I argued.

"Yeah, right. Want to bet?" Michael teased.

I clenched my fists. "If I bring a girl," I decided, "You guys have to stop teasing me about 'girlfriends' and 'relationships.'" 

"Okay," Michael agreed. "But if we win," he paused, smiling maliciously. "I always have to go to some educational camp over summer. You have to come with me."

"Fine," I agreed. We shook hands, and I knew I would win this bet no matter what.

Glancing at my watch, I realized I should've been home ten minutes before.

"Got to go!" I called, grabbing my things and exiting the field. I knew I couldn't come home wet. My mother would know I was out in the rain. Instead, I ran to the nearest clothing store, fished out the small amount of money in my pocket, and purchased cheap dry clothes.

I began walking to my house, the rain stopping now. My mother was waiting for me at the door, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Where have you been?!" she demanded as I walked up the steps to the porch. "It was storming!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, well we, er, actually decided to get some pizza in town instead. I'm only wet because I didn't bring an umbrella with me," I explained, hoping she'd buy it.

"You weren't wearing those clothes when you left," she observed.

"We also went to the mall, and I thought they looked nice, so I put them on right away."

"Well, at least you weren't out in the storm," she sighed. "Please tell me next time. Off to bed now, young man."

I nodded, glad she hadn't found out about our little extravaganza in the storm. Still, she hadn't seen entirely convinced or pleased by my excuse. I got into bed, tired, but found no sleep.

My mind raced towards the bet as I wondered if I could actually win it. I had been so confident with my friends, but now, I felt like the stupidest idiot alive. How could I get a date in a week?

I knew it was for the best. If I won, I'd be free from teasing. Finally my thoughts begin to cease, and I slept.